"Children should be educated and instructed in the principles of freedom."
John Adams

Suggested Age

14-18

Process

This course is designed as a two-semester course for upper level high school students. Students will learn not only how local, state, and national governments are structured, but means of participating in and influencing government at each level.

The U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence will be studied in detail, supplemented by parts of the Federalist Papers. Texas constitutional and statutory history will be included, as well as a sampling of local charters and ordinances. The three branches of government, political parties, elections,
foreign policy, and other topics will be compared to those used in other countries and to biblical principles and examples.

There will be a special emphasis on the judical system. Students will survey famous historical cases such as Marbury v. Madison, Dred Scott v. Sanford, Brown v. Board of Education, and Roe v. Wade, as well as important current cases and issues. Students will participate in a mock trial from jury selection
to verdict to see how cases are tried and appealed in state and federal courts.

Finally, the course will cover the duties of citizenship, the proper use and display of the flag, and opportunities for public service from voting and jury duty to campaigning and running for public office.